Originally posted by OnTheClock:
On a playoff team for us in the future? Buckner, Day, Blair possibly at big end, Warner, Foster, Malcolm, Sherman and Tartt on defense.
Offense I think the biggest question would be at receiver. Goodwin is the only legit starter there.
For the most part, I agree with this, OTC. So...as of now, the NIners may have as many as 7-8 legitimate defensive starters for a future playoff team. To me, that isn't bad. That is probably what we thought in the beginning of the season. There are always players who get hurt or disappoint so that needs to be factored in.
In your original post, you mentioned around 40 players who, in your opinion are keepers and again, for the most part, I agree with you. Clearly, the secondary has been the biggest disappointment from a position standpoint. On the positive side, the offensive line is playing pretty darn well, especially given the injuries. The injuries make it so much more difficult to evaluate players, guys like Tartt, Pettis, Trent Taylor, McKinnon, and even Jimmy G.
Obviously, the defense has been the biggest culprit this season thus far...and to me, the lack of discipline is simply inexcusable. I know Saleh is the d coordinator and that he has been praised by Shanny and Sherman...but, I don't believe that Warner not hearing (and then miscalling) the defensive signals is an excuse for some of the blatant coverage misses, penalties, poor tackling, and foolish situational play. A good part of that lack of discipline falls on the coaching staff. Also, the fact that certain players like Colbert and Spoon are regressing rather than progressing also points to the coaching staff.
Not cool, man!!